|
E-mail this page to a friend!
Elder Care News
Top Ten Ways to Celebrate National Caregivers Month
Over 50 million provide $306 billion a year in free
service
 November 3, 2006 - Over 50 million Americans are
recognized this month during National Family Caregivers Month, according
to the National Family Caregivers Association, which is offering ten
ideas on how to honor these caregivers during November.
| |
Related Stories |
|
| |
Caregivers – Stressed and Depressed – Sink into
Downward Health Spiral
Lack of personal healthcare diminishes ability to care for others
September 25, 2006 – Most caregivers find themselves in a downward
health spiral that threatens their ability to provide care, as a result
of the stress and worry of taking care of others. Millions of these
caregivers neglect their own physical and mental health and spiral into
depression, extreme fatigue, poor eating, insufficient exercise and
taking too many medications to try and offset the decline.
Read more...
Read more
Elder Care News |
|
The estimated value of the "free" services provided
by those caring for loved ones – primarily senior citizens - who are
frail, chronically ill or disabled is conservatively estimated to be
$306 billion annually.
Sponsored each year by the NFCA, NFC Month focuses
on the challenges facing family caregivers. Family caregivers provide a
vast array of emotional, financial, nursing, social, homemaking and
other services on a daily or on an intermittent basis. While some family
caregivers provide "24/7" care for loved ones who require assistance for
all daily living activities, others may provide care on a part-time
basis.
"Family caregiving can extend for a few years or a
lifetime," says the NFCA.
"NFC Month provides an opportunity to advocate for
stronger public policies to address family caregiving issues," said
Suzanne Mintz, president of the National Family Caregivers Association.
"And it is a time to thank, support, educate, and celebrate family
caregivers who are literally America's primary long-term care providers.
Eighty percent of long-term care is provided by families or friends.
Top 10 Ways to Celebrate National Family
Caregivers Month
1. Offer a few hours of respite time to a
family caregiver so they can spend time with friends, or simply relax.
2. Send a card of appreciation or a bouquet
of flowers to brighten a family caregiver's day.
3. Encourage local businesses to offer a
free service for family caregivers through the month of November.
4. Help a family caregiver decorate their
home for the holidays or offer to address envelopes for their holiday
cards.
5. Offer comic relief! Purchase tickets to a
local comedy club, give a family caregiver your favorite funny movie to
view, or provide them with a book on tape.
6. Find 12 different photos of the
caregiver's family and friends. Have a copy center create a 2006
calendar that the family caregiver can use to keep track of appointments
and events.
7. Offer to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for
a caregiving family in your community, so they can just relax and enjoy
the holiday.
8. Take a few minutes to write a letter
Encourage your faith community to ask for prayers not only for those who
are ill, but also those who care for them.
9. Encourage family caregivers to become a
part of the National Family Caregiver Story Project found at http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/.
It's a great place to not only share but read about others in like
situations.
10. Help a family caregiver find new
educational materials and support through family caregiving web sites or
by calling local social service agencies for help.
Editor's Notes: The National Family Caregiver
Association reaches across the boundaries of diagnoses, relationships
and life stages to address the common needs and concerns of all family
caregivers. For more information on National Family Caregiver Month
visit the National Family Caregivers Association at http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/
or call 800-896-3650.
|
Nursing Home Abuse, Medical Malpractice? Contact a lawyer.
click here
|
|
Click to More Senior News on the
Front Page
Copyright: SeniorJournal.com |
